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Does chemo attack immune system?

Page last modified on: August 20, 2008
Question from Sandree: Does chemotherapy attack the immune system?
Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Chemotherapy circulates throughout the body. It affects the 'factory' that makes blood cells. Chemotherapy affects any cells that are growing or actively functioning. Your immune cells, your red blood cells, and your clotting cells (called platelets) are all sensitive to chemotherapy. That is why your blood count drops after you receive such treatment. The good news is that your body is capable of producing new blood cells every day, so your body is able to replenish these cells. But it takes time to do that.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Stress and Your Immune System. Mitch Golant, Ph.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions on how stress affects your treatment, and what you can do to boost your immune system.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Mitch Golant, Ph.D.Mitch Golant, Ph.D. is a health psychologist and senior vice president of research and development for the national office of The Wellness Community, which provides free psychological and emotional support to help people with cancer on their path to recovery. His research focuses on the benefits of online and community support groups for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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